A world-class public education
Fully fund federal education mandates
Increasing funding for federal mandates is Dean’s top priority when it comes to public education. He is a cosponsor of the IDEA Full Funding Act, which would fully fund the federal government’s portion of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act over a 10-year period. This would ease the financial burdens on school districts in our community, helping to provide them with the resources to hire teachers and support professionals and equipping them with the tools and training they need to succeed.
Support and encourage teachers
Dean supports teacher-preparation programs and other efforts to help recruit more candidates from under-represented communities into the profession. He also believes the federal government should support and build upon intensive mentoring programs during new teachers’ first years, which will help them succeed and keep more of them in the profession. Dean wishes to elevate the esteem and compensation for teachers—which he believes to be the most important and impactful profession in our society.
Expand early learning opportunities
Dean supports increased investments in early learning opportunities, as research shows that every dollar invested can yield a return of up to seven dollars—once that child has become an educated and productive member of society. Dean also supports efforts to close the “exposure” gap—getting more young people out of the school and into hospitals, professional offices, manufacturing facilities and other industries to expand their sense of what is possible.
More counselors and mental health professionals
Dean supports the expansion of full-service community schools and investments to increase the number of mental health professionals and counselors. This will help relieve the burdens on teachers and provide critical support for kids, which will ultimately save money—and lives.